Photo credit: www.bustle.com
Coco Jones is finally reaping the rewards of her long journey in the music industry. After releasing her debut EP in 2010 and securing her first record deal in 2012, she is now celebrating the launch of her album, Why Not More? This winding path has allowed her to develop her debut album with the confidence of a seasoned artist.
“I’m proud of myself for putting together an album that I can really sing at the top of my lungs,” Jones shared with Bustle just before she took the stage to unveil some of her new tracks for the first time. This event was part of Motorola’s Make It Iconic campaign, coinciding with the unveiling of the new Motorola Razr. This party also served as a precursor to her upcoming tour, where she plans to perform in 33 cities across North America before heading to Europe and the UK this fall. “I’m excited to see it on tour, excited to see people’s reactions,” said the 27-year-old R&B musician.
The anticipation among her fans has skyrocketed after her previous EP, 2022’s What I Didn’t Tell You, which garnered five nominations and a Grammy win for Best R&B Performance for her hit “ICU.” This recognition marks a significant milestone in her career.
“With my EP, there were many lessons along the way. I had to learn the ropes a bit,” she says. While Jones acknowledges that there is still much to learn, she feels that “[my] confidence as a decision-maker has grown.” This new outlook has made her more assertive in her creative choices.
Throughout her career, Jones has drawn from a variety of musical influences. In Why Not More?, she channels the artistry of Jazmine Sullivan, showcasing her strong melodic sense, and commands each track with a conviction reminiscent of Beyoncé. Notably, she incorporates a sample from Britney Spears’ iconic “Toxic” in her third single, “Taste.” Jones skillfully straddles the line between homage and originality, infusing her unique and irresistibly meme-worthy personality into her music.
Her signature humor shines through, though its manifestations vary in subtlety. On “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” a Grammy-nominated power ballad reflecting on an ex, she cleverly illustrates her inner conflict: “How come when I see your name on my lock screen I already know what it means? / I was rollin’ in his bed, you was rent free in my head / I thought I was done with that lease.”
In another instance, she channels her wit to address deeper emotions. The album opens with “Keep It Quiet,” a bold track addressing infidelity. “Think about it, fight about it, f*ck about it, why? / When I could just let your homeboy slide,” she challenges, revealing her complexities. Similarly, in “Hit You Where It Hurts,” she plays with the idea of retaliation: “Maybe I double the trouble and humble you / I can get lower than low / Bring ’em in two in a row / What if I put on a show?”
Jones expresses her hopes for her audience, stating, “I hope [listeners] learn more about me and I hope they learn more about themselves. And I hope that I can expand the listener’s mind on all the ways that R&B can be.”
With her journey culminating in this moment, it might be tempting for Jones to pause and reflect. However, she is already looking to the future: “Bigger shows, bigger songs, more everything,” she declares. “Why not more? Hello, girl. It’s the title of the album.”
Source
www.bustle.com